MODERATOR NOTE: NO SELF PROMOTION.

I would not promote as a smoker rental though. 

Real estate experience and knowledge of the sponsorAlthough I have seen a few exceptions, with the ease of due diligence in today's connected online world, identifying a commercial property opportunity is not enough to secure a significant equity interest without the above.Most inexperienced syndicators - sponsors - promoters believe that the opportunity they've identified is the holly grail.

Motels and the cabins are my competition.My advantages are that my STRs cost less, there is a full kitchen just like back home, a full size washer and dryer in the house, and one bed in every bedroom.I'm making a promotional flyer. 

It of course also promotes us and what we do.

Perception changes over time and can change quickly at times-----The real effects are that there's more wealth / affluence as you get further to the immediate west of this area you're describing, but you transition to more of a working class/working poor (although more diverse) population to the east of MLK.I think it would be an absolutely great thing for Des Moines to get some investment into that MLK corridor that you're describing. 

I'd started at the recommended 10% when I joined, then every time I got a raise or a promotion, I bumped it up that same percentage until I reached 25%. 

This is a very real issue in Urban areas, but it's also means your area becomes more diverse, more colorful, which is of course a great thing!

I don't claim to have all the answers but a few of the fundamentals for a regional economy that I think really do drive the long term outlook for growth in an area include:Dynamic, diverse, and deep economy fundamentals including strong institutionsFunctional execution of Property Rights and the rule of Law Transparency and limited corruption within the regulatory frameworkA commitment to 'smart regulation' when appropriate, ie: lack of ideological underpinnings (are practical decisions being made on a case by case basis?)

I always like to recommend REIAs and there are several around Houston ( just know some are looking to promote, charge big fees etc) .